Understanding the Weaning Process for Your Baby

Weaning is a big step in your baby’s life as they move from milk or formula to solid foods. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that infants should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months before starting to introduce solid foods, while still breastfeeding or bottle-feeding until at least one year of age.

So how do you know when your little one is ready to make the leap to solids? Dr. Shrishailesh Mantur, a pediatric expert from Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Bangalore, shared some key signs of readiness.

According to Dr. Mantur, the weaning process does not have to be rushed. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s cues and be patient, as different babies adjust at their own pace. Regular check-ins with your pediatrician can ensure that your baby is getting the right nutrition during this transition.

Dr. Manish Mannan, who heads paediatrics at Paras Health in Gurugram, emphasized that the decision on when to start weaning varies with each child. Ideally, he recommends introducing solid foods around six months of age, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended until that point.

When starting solids, begin with just one semisolid meal a day and gradually increase to four or five meals as your baby gets used to eating. Dr. Mannan also advised parents to avoid giving sugar and salt until the age of one, as well as steering clear of animal proteins like cow’s milk during the first year.

The meals you prepare should be well-balanced, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron. Some good starter foods include boiled dal mixed with mashed rice, boiled pureed vegetables, and pureed fruits. Remember to offer water after each meal!

Another tip is to ensure that all meals are pureed to prevent choking—safety is key! It can also be nice for the whole family to eat together; babies often enjoy their meals more when they see others eating at the same time.

Lastly, if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy a specific food, don’t worry. Just put it on hold for a little while and try something else. You can always come back to that food after a few days.